Beaufort mother found guilty of killing son by overmedicating him | Hilton Head Island Packet

A jury convicted 25-year-old Paris Avery of homicide by child abuse Wednesday, ensuring that she will spend no less than the next 20 years, and possibly life, in prison.

Avery was charged after the August 2006 death of her 15-month-old son Ra'Saan Avery Young of acute hydroxyzine intoxication. Prosecutors said Avery gave the child too much of a prescription anti-itch medication, resulting in his death.

Toxicologists testified that blood samples taken during an autopsy showed hydroxyzine levels more than six times the expected concentration for a child his age.

Avery will be sentenced at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Beaufort County Courthouse.